Neighborhoods Urge Passage of Portland Clean Energy Initiative (Measure 26-201) at Citizens’ Utility Board Policy Conference

Representatives from five Portland neighborhoods gathered at the Citizens’ Utility Board Policy Conference to discuss their residents’ energy needs and their support of the Portland Clean Energy Initiative (Measure 26-201). Topics ranged from needed housing stock improvements to lack of funding for clean energy for low-income Portlanders. 

“The Portsmouth neighborhood--one of Portland’s most diverse--is adjacent to historic Vanport, which is an ever-present reminder of the dangers of underinvestment in neighborhood infrastructure,” said Oriana Magnera, chair of the Portsmouth Neighborhood Association. “Climate change is making heat waves, smoky fire seasons, and wet winters worse. We must pass the Portland Clean Energy Initiative so that we can build resilience to extreme weather in the neighborhoods that need it most.” 

“82nd Avenue is a pollution hotspot in East Portland, and our housing needs better insulation and rooftop solar,” said Hector Dominguez of the Jade District. “Weatherization from the Portland Clean Energy Initiative will remedy these issues and better protect the health of Jade District residents from pollution and the impacts of climate change.”

Ballots for the November election were mailed to Oregon voters this week, and Measure 26-201 will be presented to Portland voters for approval. The Portland Clean Energy Initiative (Measure 26-201) will raise $30 million every year for clean energy job training, home improvements, and green spaces with priority given to those who are most susceptible to the impacts of climate change: low-income Portlanders and people of color. The funds will be raised via a 1% surcharge on the Portland sales of billion-dollar retailers including Wells Fargo, Comcast, and Walmart. Groceries, medicine, coops, and credit unions will be exempt. Voters must mail in or drop off their ballots by November 6th, 2018.

The Portland Clean Energy Initiative is supported by a broad and highly diverse coalition including community and environmental organizations, affordable housing advocacy groups, labor unions, and businesses. Notable supporters include U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, Business for a Better Portland, Oregon Food Bank, the Portland Tribune, NAACP Portland Branch, the Sierra Club, and the Native American Youth and Family Center. The initiative will be on Portland voters’ ballots as Measure 26-201. Ballots must be dropped off or postmarked by Tuesday, November 6, 2018.

A full list of endorsements, more information, and the full text of the initiative is available at https://www.portlandcleanenergyinitiative.com/.